Every September, nations across the globe recognize Prostate Cancer Awareness Month to emphasize the significance of prostate health and the necessity for early detection. This observance was initially established by the American Foundation for Urological Disease in the 1990s.
The prostate is a gland the size of a pili nut, situated between the bladder and the penis. “The prostate secretes fluid that nourishes and protects sperm,” states webMD.com. “During ejaculation, the prostate contracts this fluid into the urethra, which is then expelled with sperm as semen.”
The primary function of the prostate is influenced by testosterone, a male sex hormone that is predominantly produced in the testicles.
According to the US National Cancer Institute, nearly all prostate cancers are classified as adenocarcinomas. These types of cancer originate in cells responsible for producing and secreting mucus and other fluids. In the early stages, prostate cancer typically does not present any symptoms. However, in its advanced stages, it may lead to increased frequency of urination or a diminished urine flow; it is important to note that these symptoms can also be attributed to non-cancerous prostate conditions.
Given that the prostate is a component of the male reproductive system, which also encompasses the penis, seminal vesicles, and testicles, there is a common misconception that prostate cancer is related to sexual function.
Doing sex more or doing sex less don’t cause prostate cancer. That’s according to Dr. Oscar Escudero, Jr., a urologist at the Davao Doctors Hospital. There’s no scientific evidence or clinical association that “undersex” or “oversex” can cause prostate cancer.
But R. Morgan Griffin, in a webMD.com feature, argues that having more sex might lower a man’s odds of getting prostate cancer. “Research suggests that the more often men ejaculate, the less likely they are to have the disease,” he wrote.
The research, done in 2016, showed that men who had sex the most (at least 21 times a month) had about a 20% lower chance of prostate cancer, compared with those who did it less (4 to 7 times a month).
“That was true in several age groups,” Griffin wrote. “The exact number of times didn’t matter. Basically, the more men ejaculated in a month, the less likely they were to get prostate cancer.”
In the study, having sex also included masturbation. Now, a study done in 2003 in Australia and published in the British urology journal BJU International linked frequent ejaculation “early in life” with reduced risk for prostate cancer later on.
On the other hand, another study done in 2004 – published in The Journal of the American Medical Association – showed that “ejaculation frequency is not related to increased risk of prostate cancer.”
In both studies, ejaculation frequency included sexual intercourse and masturbation, noted webMD.com’s David Freeman.
A later study, again published in BJU International, found out that “frequent masturbation in young men raised the risk for prostate cancer but that frequent masturbation in older men lowered the risk.”
How is this possible? Freeman wrote: “The researchers theorize that it may not be the masturbation itself which is increasing risk of prostate cancer in men who masturbate frequently in their 20s and 30s.
“Men who masturbate more may do so because they have high levels of male sex hormones – and young men genetically predisposed to have hormone-sensitive prostate cancer will be at higher risk if they have more male hormones. In men over 50, the researchers theorize, frequent masturbation helps drain the prostate of fluids that may contain cancer-causing substances.”
What about circumcision? It is common knowledge that Muslim and Jewish men have lower rates of prostate cancer than men in industrialized countries. This suggests that circumcision may play a role in cancer risk.
Hollywood icon Dennis Hopper succumbed to prostate cancer at the age of 74. Music legend Frank Zappa, known for his avant-garde compositions that made a lasting impact on the industry, died from the illness at the age of 52. Esteemed actor Gary Cooper, whose illustrious career lasted over three decades, also fell victim to prostate cancer at the age of 60.
Doctors we interviewed on the subject said there are two methods to determine if you have prostate cancer.
The first method is referred to as the digital rectal exam (DRE). Also known as a prostate exam, a DRE entails a physician inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to assess the size, shape, and texture of your prostate gland. During this examination, you may lie on your side, bend over a table, or adopt another comfortable position.
The DRE is a brief procedure, lasting only a few seconds, and while some pressure or discomfort is to be expected, it is generally not painful. Following the exam, you can resume your normal activities. The physician may provide a tissue for you to clean yourself and will discuss subsequent steps if any irregularities are detected.
The second method is known as the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. This test involves obtaining a quick blood sample to evaluate the levels of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate. Elevated levels may indicate cancer but can also result from benign conditions such as prostate enlargement or inflammation.
